Photographer
M E M
Posts: 268
Woodford, Virginia, US
I think the human form, male and female, is the most beautiful and complex of all God's creations. So it feels natural to want to capture it on film.
Photographer
Ceehawk Multimedia
Posts: 319
Clarksville, Tennessee, US
Model Sarah wrote:
I am sticking with Dennis Leary.
"Why 'fucking' not?" Looking at your port Sarah you are a fantastic figure model, I think I've told you that before. You go girl!
Photographer
bobby sargent
Posts: 4159
Deming, New Mexico, US
I CAN sell my nude images. I cannot sell my images with models who have their clothes on. bs
Photographer
bobby sargent
Posts: 4159
Deming, New Mexico, US
Marko Cecic-Karuzic wrote:
I rather needed a laugh before beddy-bye. Ok but whats so funny about this? bs
Photographer
jon mmmayhem
Posts: 8233
Philadelphia, Mississippi, US
lindsaylee wrote:
Honestly, I love the thought of someone enjoying a photograph with me in it...nude. It's very thrilling. well i hope you know we enjoy your pictures back here at headquarters.
Photographer
MarkMarek
Posts: 2211
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
I shoot nudes because I like taking pictures of models who have personalities of their own - not plastic surgeon's, not make up artist's, not costume designer's - THEIR OWN !!!
Photographer
Merlinpix
Posts: 7118
Farmingdale, New York, US
Hmmm....that's where the money is for me.
Paul
Photographer
Kiran Patil
Posts: 315
Newark, Delaware, US
I liked being a nude model and now I like shooting nude men and women. There is something deep down in me that yearns to do it. The question has been asked since the first people to hide their shame started depicting human being naked in their artwork. If in the past X thousands of years we haven't found an answer, I doubt we will now. Though I will say that think clothing represents an alter ego - a creation of an identity that you want people to see you as. When I or someone else remove their clothing, I feel I get more of a sense of who the person is rather than who they want me to see them as. That's part of the reason many (but not all) people feel an intimacy with someone when they allow them to see them nude - and is part of the same reason quite a few models aren't willing to pose nude (and photographers should respect this). I think it is important to remember that nudity is percieved differently by different people. It is a combination of cultural, religious and economical influences. My freedom with the nude body isn't necessarily shared by everyone who I would like to photograph or the viewers of my photograph. I shoot nudes because I want to. What I wrote earlier about clothing... that may have edged me toward the first step of shooting nudes, but it isn't always the conceptual reason I do so. Then, like most nude photographers I've taken plenty of nude photos just for the paycheck. You gotta eat, after all. Then there are photos I took with full artistic intention without any particular reason. I just wanted to shoot a nude. Heck, maybe I just came to my conclusions on clothing to justify what I do. Maybe I'm just that screwed up 
Model
Shyly
Posts: 3870
Pasadena, California, US
Bruce Caines wrote:
your work is off the hook! if anyone hasn't seen her stuff, get yer ass over to her portfolio for some truly inspired, beautiful, unabashed imagery.
i shoot nudes because naked people are pretty. they also look great in incongruous situations. Bruce, you rock my socks. Thank you. Keep your calendar open for me, I'm getting my trip together!
Photographer
Ceehawk Multimedia
Posts: 319
Clarksville, Tennessee, US
MEMasonPhotography wrote:
I think the human form, male and female, is the most beautiful and complex of all God's creations. So it feels natural to want to capture it on film. I concure.
Photographer
SKPhoto
Posts: 25784
Newark, California, US
Because -
Women are beautiful
Women are soft
Even the hardest of them...is soft
It's fun
To peel the blinders from my eyes
It's a great honor to be given the gift of another's form
It is both a taboo, and natural state of being for the child in each of us.
Model
Peggy Weidner
Posts: 124
Denton, Georgia, US
I pose nude,because I'm very comfortable with my body & I'm not afraid to show it. There is nothing wrong with posing nude or a photographer taking pictures of people that are nude. We are born nude & there is nothing wrong with it!
Photographer
Valkyrur
Posts: 1187
Nelsonville, New York, US
I never want/like to do nudes .. but some chicks just FORCE me to ...
Photographer
M L Image
Posts: 18
Omaha, Nebraska, US
It is gods art the human form!!
Photographer
M L Image
Posts: 18
Omaha, Nebraska, US
It is gods art the human form!!
Photographer
Mikell
Posts: 26698
San Francisco, California, US
Jim Morrison once remarked "I feel an artist should be free to use nudity if he chooses"
That said, on the artistic side I think it's about the personal statement you are trying to make with your work. Nudes female and male predate classical Greece. I find nothing wrong with photographing the nude as long as my model is comfortable with it. I guess that's my why.
Commercially - does the project interest me and am I also comfortable doing it?
Makeup Artist
Veronica Sinclair
Posts: 157
Malibu, California, US
the majority of photographers on this site shooting nudes are major pervs
Photographer
Ivan123
Posts: 1037
Arlington, Virginia, US
MalibuMakeup wrote:
the majority of photographers on this site shooting nudes are major pervs Well, I am sure THAT won't get any comments.
Photographer
TRIPOD
Posts: 4515
Ceehawk Multimedia wrote:
With all the clamour and whoop-ti-do about nude photgraphy on this site and
these forums, here's a a piece of "raw meat" I'm tossing into the lions den.
Are you referring to the model on your port.
Photographer
Le Beck Photography
Posts: 4114
Los Angeles, California, US
Celestial Sinn wrote:
haha i think nude modeling is a beautiful thing!! (both as a model and photographer)
And i think it is silly to think that the nude form, whether male or female, is not sexual! It is sexual! (maybe not in the classical way) We are sexual beings, by creation! How are we still here if we were not?? Even bodyscapes are sexual in a sense. Implied nudes are sexual too..and they are not showing anything.what do you think attracts the eye to the photograph in the first place? what keeps it there...wondering? I think it goes along with the attraction to burlesque...the art of not showing too much, but keeping the audience wondering.
and no.. i do not think porn is beautiful. that is taking it to a whole other level beyond art and should not be seen as such.
I think nudity is a great thing. I pose nude to show people that no matter what you look like..scars, pregnant, out of shape, amputation, whatever! you in your own mind should not be afraid to be proud of your body.
i am not the best thing in the world to look at..but at least i have pride in myself and my body. and no matter what you look like..the naked human form can be beautiful.
Photographer
Ty Simone
Posts: 2885
Edison, New Jersey, US
Because we are born that way.
If you are Christian, remember God made Adam and Eve in the nude. The Devil told them they were naked and needed clothes!
If you are Pagan (like me) then you already accept nudity as the normal state.
Everyone else.... Jump on one of these two band wagons to make my life easier......
Besides, Clothes are so overdone!!!
Photographer
Halcyon 7174 NYC
Posts: 20109
New York, New York, US
Ty's right. Animal skins are for being outdoors in winter!
Photographer
SLE Photography
Posts: 68937
Orlando, Florida, US
MorTIs wrote:
actually i think nudes get very boring, enough though i do erotic work, i never as a girl to be nude, and i think i have only shot one nude. I think being semi-nude or clothes with some expusore, its a lot more sexy for an artistic stand point (not that full nude can not be). I disagree, I think the whole "implied nude" thing gets cliched quickly, has fewer possibilities, and comes across as a boring tease. I saw one port the other day that was almost all "implied nudes" with a big "I won't do nudes" note and the model had tried every artifice up to & including draping strands of spghetti across her nipples. It was simply disingenuous & boring.
Photographer
SLE Photography
Posts: 68937
Orlando, Florida, US
MalibuMakeup wrote:
the majority of photographers on this site shooting nudes are major pervs No more so than the rest of society. More honest about it, maybe.
Photographer
William Coleman
Posts: 2371
New York, New York, US
MalibuMakeup wrote:
the majority of photographers on this site shooting nudes are major pervs Um, isn't there something perverted about seeing so much perversion?
Model
Sirensong
Posts: 2173
Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
Answering this question honestly is going to make me sound like a hallmark card..but I will give it a go.
I pose nude because I can.
For a long time I couldnt..
Insecure wouldnt even begin to cover how I felt about myself ,my body and how other people viewed me.
I posed nude first when I was pregnant for the 4th time because at that time my body was doing things and going through changes I had no control over and because it felt right for me.
The confidence was there and the pride.
I do it now literally because I like to,because I can look at pics of myself without wincing and thinking"oh god"
I just got to a point in my life where I accepted and even liked how I looked.
After 24 years of having major esteem issues its been incredibly liberating to feel that I can
Model
Laura Lynn
Posts: 63
Saint Augustine, Florida, US
Ceehawk Multimedia wrote:
With all the clamour and whoop-ti-do about nude photgraphy on this site and
these forums, here's a a piece of "raw meat" I'm tossing into the lions den.
Question: Why do you if you are a photographer, photograph nudes and why if you are a model do you pose nude?
Here are my reasons:
Ultimate way to photograph the beauty of a woman:
For me as a beauty and glamour photographer(as opposed to a fashion photographer), I'm am interested in the total, real beauty of my subject. To me a woman is amazingly beautiful as she was created, in her natural form. Whatever clothing I use in a particular shot should be to enhance that beauty and not hide it.
It is the same rationale one would use when photographing a beautiful flower or a beautiful sunset or landscape; your just trying to capture what is already there.
Because I believe being nude should be about more than just sex:
I believe we need to learn see the nude human form outside of the confines of just sex. I believe learning to see the human body artistically is a way to do this. Now I know not everyone can do this but there are those of us who see the human form for the thing of beauty that it is. The human form especially the female human form is very visually appealing and it is always a challenge to find different ways of incorporating that beauty in a photograph. As a photographer and visually sensitive person, I'm sometimes just impressed with just how something looks, too include the nude female form.
Makes the image timeless:
This is more so important for my fine art work. The human form is the human form and photographed a certain way that image will not be dateable. Fashion changes constantly but the human form is consistent. An image about form, curves, texture or what have you, shot thirty years ago may be still as valid and poignant as the one shot yesterday. That makes for good fine art photography
Because it is rude to stare or there is a time for everything:
Haven't we all seen a woman so beautiful that we just couldn't take our eyes off of her, I'm sure men and women alike have had this experience. Of course the next thought(especially for men )is " I wonder what she looks like naked? Of course, sitting there staring at her is rude and inappropriate as would be walking up too her and saying, "You are a very beautiful woman, could you please take your clothes off so! can see if you are beautiful all over?" Way, way out of line. Photographing a woman nude actually provides the proper time and place to capture observe and appreciate that womans beauty with the her consent.
Because it is fun:
Of course the obvious, I'm a photographer but I'm also a heterosexual male. It is fun when a woman is willing to take her clothes of for my camera but as a serious and dedicated photogrpher my experience is different than average guy's. A few years ago myself and a photographer friend of mine where discussing this very topic. Someone had asked him whether he just went numb while photgraphing scantidly clad women. We both had a big laugh at this because the obvious answere to that question was a definite no. In fact we both agreed that we never want to be numb when it comes to feminine beauty and the female form. I'm a happily married man and have been with the same woman for over 10 years; the sight of my wife nude is still exciting to me. What is important is being disciplined, knowing where your boundries are and in control of your lower basal nature. Certain thoughs may be in your head but your job as a photographer photographing a beautiful nude woman is to control, transcend and rechannel those lower basic impulses into your art. As a photographer you have a more sublime(or nobler) purpose than to just feed your libido.
Other thoughts:
I feel privileged and honored when a woman agrees to pose nude for me because....
A) Her cooperation helps me in the pursuit of my art.
B) She is showing me a very special level of trust in both me as a man and me as an artist. This is why I prefer to not work with models who only pose nude (or any way) for a fee. It is important for me to know that the model likes my work and trusts my motivations. My skill and insight as a photographer is just as valuable as her skill and insight as a model and a situation of mutual trust can only mean a future of bigger and better things.
1. Not that I wouldn't pay a model in certain instances mind you(i.e. client footing the bill, special project whereI knew for sure I would get my investment back) but even then it will be with modelsIi've establish a certain level of trust.( a little insight from the photgrapher's point of view)
Ok, I think that is enough for now(yeah I know I went off on a tangent...meat for another forum). Y'all go at it!!!
Christopher Thank you for such an amazing explanation for why you like to shoot nudes....do you think it's possible that other male photographers shoot nudes for the same reasons or is it safe to bet that sometimes they're just a little bit sleezy, any suggestions on how to rule out the bad from the good?
Model
Mayanlee
Posts: 3560
New City, New York, US
I do it because I'm too fucking lazy to haul crap around with me.
Model
Iona Lynn
Posts: 11176
Oakland, California, US
I pose nude because I look better nude than in clothes.
I pose nude because it saves on wardrobe costs.
I pose nude because not many others will.
I pose nude because I think nudity is separate from sex and the more nude images out there that are not sex people will realize that being nude is not bad.
As a women I hate the idea that the guys can take there shirts off in public when it is hot and I can't (unless in ny or austin)
I pose nude because I get oodles of money to do so due to a quirk of genetics and a touch of enhancement.
Photographer
Click Hamilton
Posts: 36555
San Diego, California, US
Ceehawk Multimedia wrote:
Question: Why do you if you are a photographer, photograph nudes and why if you are a model do you pose nude? Because I'm happy to be alive
oink, oink, ..... snort
Photographer
Kentsoul
Posts: 9739
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US
MalibuMakeup wrote:
the majority of photographers on this site shooting nudes are major pervs You called? 
Photographer
Ty Simone
Posts: 2885
Edison, New Jersey, US
Iona Lynn wrote:
I pose nude because I look better nude than in clothes.
I pose nude because it saves on wardrobe costs.
I pose nude because not many others will.
I pose nude because I think nudity is separate from sex and the more nude images out there that are not sex people will realize that being nude is not bad.
As a women I hate the idea that the guys can take there shirts off in public when it is hot and I can't (unless in ny or austin)
I pose nude because I get oodles of money to do so due to a quirk of genetics and a touch of enhancement. You can eliminate the Quirk of genetics part now.
Some guy got breast implants already.
He can pose nude (topless anyway) as long as his face and lower half and stomach and arms are not in the picture....
Ok, So it is only breast shots he can do....
Nevermind, Genetic Quirks RULE!!!!
Photographer
Ceehawk Multimedia
Posts: 319
Clarksville, Tennessee, US
Private Moments Photogr wrote:
It is gods art the human form!! Yes!!!!
Model
luv2bfitt
Posts: 725
Merrimack, New Hampshire, US
I enjoy the healthy lifestyle that come from being fit. I work out, so I look good. I look good, so I can pose nude. I pose nude, so I have to keep working out. For me it's a positive cycle that constantly re-inforces itself, and hopeful will allow me to stay in good health as I continue through life.....
Photographer
Amanda Schlicher
Posts: 1131
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US
because I like it. As a dancer and martial artist I am very rooted in bodily things and I respect both the form and the function of the body.
But I am very selective with the models I will shoot nude (how's that for a topsy turvy?)
I'm not interested in seeing or photographing most people nude. Some people I will shoot nude because I think they have a certain lyricism or movement that is enhanced in the nude, or because they have a particularly interesting bodily feature. Most models I'd rather just shoot clothed, I have no interest otherwise.
Photographer
LongWindFPV Visuals
Posts: 7052
Las Vegas, Nevada, US
I photograph nudes for a variety of commercial and artistic reasons that are interesting, challenging, fun and creative. Plus, I find it kinda cool thinking that I can come up with something unique and creative amidst a vast pool of nudes that has already been done.
Photographer
Ceehawk Multimedia
Posts: 319
Clarksville, Tennessee, US
Laura Lynn wrote:
Thank you for such an amazing explanation for why you like to shoot nudes....do you think it's possible that other male photographers shoot nudes for the same reasons or is it safe to bet that sometimes they're just a little bit sleezy, any suggestions on how to rule out the bad from the good? Yes I do think it is possible for other male photographers to shoot nudes for the same reasons I do, but I think the key is the photographer being honest with himself and where he is with his own sexuality. There is nothing wrong with finding a woman attractive and to love to look at them, but I think it takes a certain gift to be able to seperate yourself from that attraction and put it in it's correct place. Male photographers should also realize that female models more likely work with them, if they feel safe and there is a level of trust. I've had women come to me who have said they have never posed nude before but did so with me because i made them feel comfortable. That always means a lot too me and is part of my reward(along with the pictures) for doing things right.
I also think it is wise to keep your sex life seperate from your photography. When I was single a female friend of mine got mad with me(jokingly) becasue I never asked her to model for me but I had photographed several friends of hers. I hadn't aske her to pose for me because I wanted to date her and for me if I photgraphed her I would have to put her on my non-dateables list. That always worked for me.
Now I'm married, so my sex life truly is seperate from photography. I know if I "screw up"(pun intended), I risk jeapordizing my photgraphy carrer as well as my marriage. that seems too much to risk for a few minutes of pleasure. My wife trust me explicity as far as me photography of other women even nudes becasue she knows me and knows my motivations. This is my reward for doing the right thing.
As far as how to rule out the good with the bad i would say first look at the photographers work. Does it have any photographic appeal and does it demostrate any photographic skill or is it just a pictue of a naked woman? would you like to be photographed that way? and secondly, talk to the photographer, listen to what he is saying about you and the photographs he's taken and the ones he wants to do of you. i think he should be able to tell you why he wants to be photograph you and you should be comfortable with that idea. He should be able to tell you in terms other than, "because you are so fine", or "you are so beautiful" of why he wants to photograph you. In the end, trust your gut.
But rest assured, I believe there are many photographers on this site who photgraph nudes for the same reasons I do, which is one reason I started this thread; so as to find them.
Photographer
Vintagevista
Posts: 11804
Sun City, California, US
I was drawn to doing nudes after fussing with nature and landscape photography for a while.
It is greatly rewarding to have a beautiful model placed in an environment of great natural beauty and calm - and be able to capture that scene.
When you have worked with somebody many times and a level of trust has been cemented, I think some amazing things can happen.
A model able to free herself of concerns about the photographer, understanding that she is in an enviroment of safety and beauty can relax and focus on just being a part of the enviroment around her - of the wind on her shoulders - the shaft of light on her face - the warmth of the rocks on her skin after the sun goes down.
It's pretty darned cool to just be a part of those moments - never mind taking images.
VintageV
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